ZeniMax Acquires id Software

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Bethesda's parent company buys the FPS powerhouse.

By IGN Staff

Today Zenimax Media, parent company of Bethesda Softworks, announced the acquisition of id Software, creators of Doom, Quake and Wolfenstein. This deal gives id access to Zenimax's considerable publishing support and gives Zenimax access to the id catalog. id's existing publisher commitments, such as EA's rights to Rage, will be honored but all future titles will be published by Bethesda. No new titles have been announced.

id Software founder John Carmack will continue on as technical director of id and, according to the press release, "all the principles...have signed long-term employment contracts." Gamers can expect that the day-to-day operations and overall development direction will not be adversely affected by the acquisition.

"This was a unique opportunity to team with a smart, sophisticated publisher like Bethesda Softworks where the interests of the studio and the publisher will be fully aligned in the development and marketing of our titles. In addition, we will now have financial and business resources to support the future growth of id Software, a huge advantage which will result in more and even better games for our fans."

John Carmack adds that the acquisition will allow id to grow and expand and will give multiple teams the opportunity to benefit from id's technical research and development.